Justice Quotes

Throughout history, writers, educators, politicians, and activists have urged the public to remain committed to the idea of a just society. YourDictionary's justice quotes reveal some of the many different ways in which our concept of fairness has evolved over time, while serving as motivation to remain active in efforts to promote justice in your own community.

 In a 1955 response to an accusation that he was "disturbing the peace" by his activism during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, as quoted in Let the Trumpet Sound: A Life of Martin Luther King, Jr (1982) by Stephen B. Oates.

For society to be fair for all, acts of injustice can't be tolerated. We must come together in support of efforts to ensure that every man, woman, and child has equal opportunity under the law. "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it," Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, said.

Voting for policies that promote justice is a simple step to take towards a better world, but standing up against everyday acts requires more initiative. When we see injustice in our community, our first response may be to wonder if it's appropriate to intervene. We may wonder if we have the power to speak up or if we should stay quiet to avoid causing trouble. However, in the words of legendary civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

The fight against injustice can sometimes feel like a losing battle, especially when those in power use their positions to hurt others. But, as poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson explained, giving up simply isn't an option. Have faith that in the end, justice will prevail. "Whoever fights, whoever falls, Justice conquers evermore," he said.